“You’re There for Them”: Head Coach of Special ‘Surfing School’ Shares a Heartwarming Note

Surfing can often be humbling, even for the most skilled surfers. The ocean’s mighty waves and the power of nature are just a few things a surfer has to endure. Constant battling with the whitewater and the fatigue after each surfing session can often break the strongest of spirits. Now imagine doing all this without an arm or a leg.

Imagine the extraordinary mental strength that is required for disabled people in order to enjoy the sport of surfing. They might lack some function in their bodies, but their spirits and determination remain intact. And one person has taken up the responsibility to enable disabled people in their pursuit of surfing. Ben Clifford is the director and head coach of his special surfing school for disabled people – Surfability. An initiative that Clifford started back in 2013. Recently, the inspiring story of Surfability was featured in the Great Big Story and Clifford had some moving words to share for his special school and his students.

Clifford’s heartwarming note

From starting his special surf school in his car to becoming one of the world’s leading adaptative surf schools, Clifford and Surfabilty have come a long way. Clifford and his team currently work with 30-50 people every week and aim to cater to all their special needs. Through their immense dedication, Surfability became the world’s first full-time adaptative surfing school.

With his initiative, Clifford and his team have been at the forefront of global adaptative surfing. Speaking about his team’s approach to the Great Big Story, Clifford said, “You have to really kind of look at that person and think, how can this person interact with the sea in the best way possible?” The Britisher talks about the different challenges that his own team has to overcome before they can guide their students. If they have to help a blind person learn to surf, his team first tries surfing themselves with blindfolds.

The Brit maintained that it gives him immense pride to see his students achieving something they never thought could be possible. Clifford further said, “Getting the best from someone as a coach is making sure your student knows that you’re there for them.” 

Clifford revealed that they have made a lot of progress and they were the first ones to roll out seated surfboards in Europe. In addition to this, some of their boards also have chest support and handles for their special students. He said that this is the most important thing. If a coach can create this, then his students are encouraged to push their boundaries and challenge themselves till the end.

The ongoing journey of adaptative surfing

Over the past decade, adaptative surfing has been making strides and Surfability continues to remain at the forefront of this moment. Clifford also tied up with Ampsurf, a prominent adaptive surfing organization in North America, in order to put forward a basis for the International Surfing Association (ISA) official qualification for adaptive surf coaching.

Read more: “Take My Mind off the Disappointment”: Former Paralympic Cyclist Finds a New Life Through Surfing

Ben Clifford and his whole team at Surfability remain an inspiration for the rest of the world. Their dedication and efforts have transformed countless lives. Surfability has not only enabled people to defy their limits but also empowered them to surf the waves of possibility. While Ben Clifford and Surfability are giving it their all, a lot more remains to be done to make surfing easy for disabled people.

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